Wales 0 Costa Rica 1: Bell boys hail Gary Speed

Ed told them, ‘My dad always said if you do your best, that is enough, and you all did your best so that’s enough

Wales boss Chris Colema

But in every other way the Gary Speed era of Welsh football came to a fitting close last night.

It was back in 1990 that a ­starry-eyed young Speed won the first of his 85 caps as a late ­substitute against Costa Rica at Ninian Park.

Last night the eyes of a near-capacity crowd were tearful as they gathered to honour ­arguably the country’s best-ever player and promising young manager – and to go on wondering about the tragic end to his life last ­November.

A goal after just seven minutes from teenage striker Joel ­Campbell, an Arsenal youngster currently on loan at French club Lorient, ensured it wouldn’t end with a 1-0 win to Wales as Speed’s debut had done.

But there was still enough to make it a fitting way to ­remember a man whose stellar playing ­career was equalled only by his huge popularity. The thunderous noise of a minute’s applause ­before kick-off told its own tale of a player who earned respect from every player or manager he competed for or against.

In the tunnel, Craig Bellamy, made captain for the night, was clearly wiping tears from his eyes ­before stepping out on to the Cardiff City Stadium pitch.

He and Aaron Ramsey, the 21-year-old Arsenal starlet Speed promoted to be the country’s ­captain but who was injured last night, were in theory the men leading the team out.

But everybody understood the real leaders for the night were Speed’s sons, 14-year-old Ed and Tommy, 13, who showed ­astonishing composure as they walked out and the two boys stayed for the team picture.

Big-name players who played with their dad were paraded round the pitch at half-time.

Welsh world light-heavyweight boxing champion Nathan ­Cleverly was also there.

And afterwards Ed Speed even went into the dressing room to thank the players for their ­emotional salute.

New Wales boss Chris Coleman revealed: “Ed told them, ‘My dad always said if you do your best, that is enough, and you all did your best so that’s enough’.

“What do you say when a 14-year-old boy who has just lost his dad says that to a ­hardened group of ­professional ­footballers?”

Proud Welshman Speed would have wanted an equalising goal but it didn’t happen, though Steve Morison and Bellamy both went close.